Supporting dataset and methods for egg sizes, eggshell thicknesses and metal concentrations measured in the shells and contents of eggs of Capercaillies Tetrao urogallus

Abstract

The dataset presented in this data paper supports “Eggshell resorption, and embryonic mobilization and accumulation of calcium and metals in eggs of wild and captive Capercaillies Tetrao urogallus ” (Orłowski et al., 2019) [1]. Here we present the supplementary data on the following: (1) egg sizes, regional eggshell thicknesses (at the equator, sharp pole and blunt pole) as well as the concentrations of two major micronutrients (Ca and Mg) and eight trace elements (Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Co, Cd, Pb and Zn), measured in the shells and contents of eggs of captive-bred and wild Capercaillies. (2) How the proportions of elements sequestered into eggshells become depleted during embryogenesis expressed as the %change of concentrations of various elements measured in the shells and contents of eggs at different stages of embryonic advancement (early dead embryos, late dead embryos and hatched eggs). (3) The relationships between the age of dead embryos and three regional eggshell thicknesses and concentrations of different elements measured in the shells and contents of these eggs.

Quantifying the functional disparity in pigment spot-background egg colour ICP-OES-based eggshell ionome at two extremes of avian embryonic development

“…Although neither species is considered to be globally threatened, many local populations in central and western Europe (like those in Poland) have become extinct, and the remaining small, isolated populations are endangered 39,40 . The catching of wild Capercaillie hens, their subsequent breeding and reproduction in captivity, and the origin/processing of their eggs/eggshells was described in detail by Orłowski et al 28,41 . Exactly the same procedures were applied in the case of Black Grouse.…”

“…Some eggs were laid eggs singly, in random places; these were subsequently incubated by Domestic Chickens Gallus domestica or in artificial incubators, but ultimately failed to hatch. The translocated hens were not stimulated to lay more eggs by having their eggs taken away from the nests; only abandoned eggs were removed 41 .…”

“…Also, contact between the wild-caught hens and males (copulation) had taken place only in Sweden. Thus, we treated the eggs laid in the incubation aviaries as if laid by wild hens 28,41 .…”

“…Because two or more hens (both wild and captive-bred) were reared communally in the aviaries, precise assignment of the two categories of eggs, i.e. wild and captive, to an individual female was impossible 28,41 . This factor could not therefore be controlled for in the analysis.…”

Synergic Effect of Selected Ingredients and Calcium Chloride on the Technological, Molecular and Microbial Usefulness of Eggshells and Their Impact on Sensory Properties in a Food Model System

“…Important components included in eggshell are magnesium carbonate, phosphates, glycoproteins, polysaccharides, amino acids and hormones [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. In comparison with other natural sources of calcium carbonate, eggshells are also characterized by elevated content of not only calcium, but also strontium and selenium, and lower content of such harmful metals as vanadium, lead, cadmium chromium and aluminum [ 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”